taxonID	type	description	language	source
0392662BFF992F63FF61F103FC9EFD3A.taxon	description	Description: Valves circular, central area undulate, coarsely punctate. Marginal striae radiate, occupy almost halve the distance to valve center. Marginal chambers cover 2 – 3 alveolar openings. Remarks: C. striata may be confused with similar species like C. littoralis Lange & Syvertsen (1989: 343) and C. baltica (Grunow) Håkansson (2002: 104) but can be distinguished by the absence of valve face fultoportulae. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed brackish water and marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Simonsen 1974; Al-Handal 2009). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF992F63FF61F2F3FC24FB92.taxon	description	Description: Valves circular, central area slightly undulate to nearly flat, coarsely punctate. Marginal striae radiate, occupy 1 / 3 the distance to valve center. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed brackish water and marine species, more common in warm waters. Previously known from the Gulf (Hendey 1970). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF992F63FF61F699FD3CF849.taxon	description	Description: Valves circular, rounded areolae arranged in radial striae. Distinct straight rows of dots occur from the center up to the periphery of the valve face forming a stellate appearance. Ecology and Distribution: A marine benthic species commonly found in the plankton. Previously reported from the Gulf (Simonsen 1974). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF992F63FF61F4A5FA6AF9AD.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly elliptical, slightly undulate with raised and depressed sectors. Valve mantle distinct with a ring of large areolae. Striae on valve surface arranged in fascicles, each fascicle with 2 – 4 rows of small areolae. Remarks: This species is rather common in the North-West region of the Gulf. It was first recorded by Tynni (1983, p. 8, fig. 86) but he mistakenly described it as new species belonging to Cyclotella (C. crassa Tynni 1983: 13) based on the short marginal radial striae, which is a feature seen in some species of Cyclotella. Ecology and Distribution: A marine epipelic species commonly found in warm waters, particularly in bays and shallow coastal water. Previously reported from the Gulf (Tynni 1983, Al-Handal 2009). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF9F2F65FF61F2F3FD8BFBB6.taxon	description	Description: Valves circular, slightly convex. Hexagonal areolae arranged in radial lines. In the center of the valve is visible characteristic rosette of larger central areolae. Remarks: This large species is widespread in the plankton of the Gulf and is deposited on the sediment in Basra corals. Ecology and Distribution: widely distributed pelagic species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Simonsen 1974). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF9F2F65FF61F447FDFAFA2E.taxon	description	Description: Valves circular, convex with large hexagonal areolae arranged in quincunx structure. Marginal areolae smaller in size, central area absent. Valve margin broad. Remarks: Deposited from the plankton. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed pelagic species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Kandari et al. 2009). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF9F2F65FF61F0B3FABBFDCE.taxon	description	Description: Valves circular with flat to slightly convex and hyaline center. Valve face with a ring of short and radiate markings. Remarks: The genus Paralia includes several species which are difficult to separate without observations with electron microscopes (Crawford 1979), this is mainly due to different valve types of the species. Observations with SEM revealed several taxa previously described as P. sulcata (Macgillivary & Kaczmarska 2013). The present specimens were assigned to P. sulcata based on matching with illustrations of the species in the literature. Ecology and Distribution: A marine cosmopolitan species, normally found on sediment but occasionally in the plankton. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1964, Al-Kandari et al. 2009). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF9F2F65FF61F613FD94F8DE.taxon	description	Description: Valves triangular with constricted rounded apices and concave margins. Middle part of the valve face slightly arched. Hexagonal areolae are distributed forming a quincunx structure. Ecology and Distribution s: A marine species more commonly found in warm waters. Previously reported from the Gulf (Simonsen 1974). Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF9F2F66FF61F7E7FD37FE53.taxon	description	Description: Valves circular and concave with rounded areolae decrease in size towards valve margin. Small pseudonodulus are visible near the valve margin. Remarks: This species can be distinguished by the distinctly curved rows of areolae which decrease in size towards the margin and the marginal processes located at the end of each row (internal side of the valve). Marginal pseudonodulus may become indistinguishable. Areolae 6 – 8 in 10 μm near the center and 10 – 18 in 10 μm near the margin. Marginal process 10 – 12 in the observed specimens which is less than those reported elsewhere (12 – 18). Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed species, previously recorded from the Gulf (Simonsen 1974, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF9C2F66FF61F224FB95FCEF.taxon	description	Description: Valves circular and convex with rounded areolae arranged irregularly in fascicles and decrease in size towards the margin. Large pseudonodulus occur near valve margin. Remarks: This species can be easily distinguished by the distinct marginal psudonodulus and the fasciculate areolae which are separated by longer striae. Areolae 8 – 10 near valve center but become much smaller towards the margin. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously recorded from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Simonsen 1974, Al-Handal 2009; Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF9C2F66FF61F408FC2EFA0B.taxon	description	Description: Valves elliptical with broadly rounded apices and straight raphe fissures. Narrow lanceolate lateral hyaline areas slightly expanded, becoming narrower near central pores and terminal fissures. Remarks: Observed specimens were with slightly higher striae density than originally described. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Previously known from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011, Al-Handal 2009). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF9C2F66FF61F59CFD5FF94F.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly elliptical with sub-rostrate apices and straight raphe fissures. Hyaline lateral areas are broadly lanceolate. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine littoral species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Handal 2009). Frequent in Basra corals,	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF9C2F68FF61F6D8FD83FF57.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly elliptical with rounded apices and straight raphe fissures. Hyaline lateral areas broadly lanceolate becoming narrower near the apices. Transapical striae parallel at the center and radiate at the poles. Remarks: All observed specimens were with higher striae density, normally L. hennedyi possesses 9 – 11 striae in 10 μm. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Handal 2009). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF922F68FF61F120FD21FD07.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly elliptical with sub-rostrate apices and straight raphe fissures. Hyaline lateral areas narrow. Transapical striae parallel throughout the length of the valve. Remarks: The main characteristic feature that differentiate this variety from the type is the shape of the central area which is more elevated, a reason that led Hendey (1951) to consider it as a distinctive species. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in the material examined.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF922F68FF61F290FE4FFBEB.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly elliptical with rounded apices and straight raphe fissures. Hyaline lateral areas lanceolate, becoming narrower near the apices. Transapical striae parallel at the center and strongly radiate at the poles. Remarks: This species differs from Lyrella hennedyi (W. Smith) Stickle & D. G. Mann (in Round et al. 1990: 672) and L. lyra (Ehrenberg) Karajeva (1978: 1595) by the shape of the axial area. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF922F68FF61F4BCFC2EF9BF.taxon	description	Description: Valves elliptical-lanceolate with protracted rostrate apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in expanded pores. Transapical striae monoseriate, parallel at the center and radiate at the poles. Striae composed of rounded areolae more dense in the valve margin. Remarks: P. granulata can be distinguished by striae structure which exhibit a more spaced and irregularly positioned areola around the axial area that become more compact and dense towards the margins. Ecology and Distribution: Widespread marine littoral species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Handal 2009, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF922F68FF61F648FB88F783.taxon	description	Description: Valves elliptical-lanceolate with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in expanded pores. Central area slightly transapically dilated. Monoseriate transapical striae strongly radiate and composed of rounded areolae. Remarks: Distinguished from the similar P. granulata D. G. Mann (in Round et al. 1990: 674) by having regularly spaced striae. Ecology and Distribution: Widespread marine and brackish water species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970; Al-Handal 2009; Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF932F69FF61F6A6FE4FF7A2.taxon	description	Description: Valves long, linear with broadly rounded apices and widened middle zone. Raphe fissures straight, terminal endings terminate below apices. Axial area very narrow, central area rounded. Transapical striae coarsely punctate, slightly radiate at the center, convergent near the apices. Remarks: This is an epipelic species widely distributed in estuaries. Although considered as marine species, it can thrive in brackish water (Al-Handal 2009). Ecology and Distribution: A widespread species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF932F69FF61F47BFC31FA76.taxon	description	Description: Sternum valve elliptical with broadly rounded apices. Sternum wide, lanceolate with irregularly dispersed areolae. Valve margin costate. Remarks: Only sternum valves were observed with valves slightly wider than that reported by Hustedt (1955) and having shorter marginal striae. Ecology and Distribution: C. latecostata is a marine species rarely reported in the literature and seems to have limited distribution, originally described from the coasts of California, the United States (Husted 1955). Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF932F69FF61F26EFBA1FC36.taxon	description	Description: Valves elliptical to rhombic with protracted apices. Raphe branches almost straight, ending centrally in slightly expanded pores and bordered by slightly raised thickenings. External valve face shows a lanceolate median depression on both sides of the raphe-sternum, slightly raised up at the center. Transapical striae monoseriate, parallel at the center and radiate at the poles, crossed by more or less wavy longitudinal ribs. Remarks: Specimens observed were larger in size than previously reported, with striae slightly less dense. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species particularly in warm waters. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Common in Basra corals,	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF912F6BFF61F50CFD8EF9D3.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear with rounded apices. Raphe-sternum large with slightly undulate raphe fissures. Central area undistinguished. Transapical striae coarse, parallel and developed in the outer zone of the valve. Remarks: Examined specimens possess slightly higher striae density (normally 8 – 11 in 10 μm). Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF912F6BFF61F1C8FF3DFC97.taxon	description	Description: Valves rhombic-lanceolate with rounded, slightly produced apices. Raphe straight, terminal endings terminate below apices. Axial area narrow, central area small, elliptical. Transapical striae radiate, finely punctate. Remarks: A slightly larger specimen with coarser striae were observed. Ecology and Distribution: A rare marine tropical species. Not recorded previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF912F6CFF61F6FCFD7CFF57.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear-elliptical with rounded apices. Raphe fissures straight with transapical dilated central area connected with the large hyaline lateral sterna. Transapical striae parallel at the center and radiate near the apices. Remarks: Striae density of F. forcipata is variable, normally it is in the range of 13 – 16 in 10 μm but higher densities (up to 22 in 10 μm) were reported (Krammer & Lange-Bertalot 1986). Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine and brackish water species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF962F6CFF61F42CFD3EFAD7.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear with parallel margins and rounded apices. Raphe-sternum large with straight raphe fissures. Axial area narrow, central area rounded with crescent-like markings on both sides. Transapical striae parallel throughout. Remarks: Specimens observed bear slightly higher striae density (15 – 18 in 10 μm in Witkowski et al. 2000). Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF962F6CFF61F5A0FA88F8BB.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear with rounded apices. Raphe fissures almost straight with expanded central pores. Axial area narrow, central area rounded. Transapical striae parallel throughout, interrupted by longitudinal lines. Remarks: Several specimens examined appeared slightly shorter and wider than reported in the literature. A. liber may be distinguished by the position of the longitudinal lines interrupting transapical striae, which lie in the middle distance between axial area and valve margins. Tynni (1983) presented two images under the name Caloneis cf. liber encountered in Khor Abdallah, south to Basra coral reef location but his images look more similar to C. elongata (Grunow) Boyer (1927: 312) than to this species. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine and brackish water species. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF962F6CFF61F120FCACFDE3.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly elliptical with rounded apices. Raphe fissures almost straight with transapical dilated central area connected with the narrow hyaline lateral sterna. Transapical striae parallel at the center and radiate near the apices. Ecology and Distribution: A marine species most commonly found in warm waters. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF962F6DFF61F74CFD8AFEE7.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly lanceolate, slightly constricted at the center. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Axial area large, central area small. Transapical striae parallel at the center, strongly radiate near the apices. Areolae transapically dilated. Remarks: This species has been widely reported as Oestrupia musca (Gregory) Hustedt (1935: 17). Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF972F6DFF61F35CFD11FAB3.taxon	description	Description: Valves panduriform, constricted at the center with rounded apices. Raphe fissures straight with rounded central nodule. Axial area narrow with linear longitudinal canals. Transapical striae parallel at the center, strongly radiate near the apices. Remarks: D. chersonensis is characterized by having a square central area bordered by four chambers on each side; the outer chambers are longer than the central ones. In the observed specimens, longer chambers are visible but the shorter ones are not but can be observed by changing focus of the microscope field. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF972F6DFF61F544FBD7F92B.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear-elliptical with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in expanded pores. Central area apically dilated. Valve face shows narrow axial area and longitudinal canals decreasing in width toward the apices. Transapical striae parallel at the center, strongly radiate near the apices. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine littoral species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Few specimens were encountered in this study.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF972F6DFF61F6FCFA70F783.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear-elliptical, slightly constricted at the center, with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Central nodule small and transapically dilated. Axial area large, longitudinal canals linear and narrow. Transapical striae parallel at the center, radiate near the apices. Ecology and Distribution: widely distributed marine species particularly in tropical and subtropical waters, less common in temperate regions. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Kandari et al. 2009). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF972F6DFF61F1C8FD37FCCB.taxon	description	Description: Valves panduriform, constricted at the center with rounded apices. Raphe fissures straight. Axial area broad, longitudinal canals linear, slightly convex on the outer margin. Transapical striae parallel at the center, strongly radiate near the apices. Ecology and Distribution: A widespread species in marine and brackish water. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF952F6FFF61F08CFE4FFDE3.taxon	description	Description: Valves elliptical to rhombic-elliptical with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in expanded pores. Central nodule square with wavy margin. Axial area large, longitudinal canals semi-lanceolate, decreasing in size toward the apices. Transapical striae radiate at the center, strongly radiate near the apices. Remarks: Rather similar to D. smithii (Brébisson) Cleve (1894: 96) but distinguished by having wider longitudinal canals. Ecology and Distribution: According to Hustedt (1937), D. nitescens is widely distributed species in marine coasts from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean. Previously recorded from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF952F6FFF61F2B4FF3DFB0F.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly elliptical with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Central nodule apically dilated. Axial area narrow, longitudinal canals linear, slightly expanded in the middle. Transapical striae parallel, becoming strongly radiate near the apices. Remarks: A rather variable species with several varieties described. The common feature which separate D. smithii from closely related taxa such as D. fusca (Gregory) Cleve (1894: 93) and D. nitescens (Gregory) Cleve (1894: 97) is the undivided striae, which are formed of double rows of alternating areolae (pores). Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed species in all marine coasts and in inland brackish waters. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Handal 2009, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF952F6FFF61F498FCAEF9F7.taxon	description	Description: Valves panduriform with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Valve center with small nodule and three parallel transapical striae on each side. Axial area narrow, longitudinal canals linear. Transapical striae radiate. Remarks: Our specimens show the typical areolae and central nodule that occur in D. weissflogii, but exhibit three parallel transapical striae on each side of the central nodule which are not commonly found in this species. Most of the observed specimens appeared with one half of the valve slightly larger than the other. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed in all warm water coasts. Previously known from the Gulf (Hendy 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Common in Basra corals	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8A2F70FF61F0CBFD8EFDCE.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear lanceolate with acutely rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Axial area narrow, central area transapically dilated. Transapical striae radiate at the center, parallel near the apices. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Known previously from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8A2F70FF61F25FFDDFFC26.taxon	description	Description: Valves lanceolate with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, apical endings hooked to one direction. Axial area narrow, central area asymmetrically dilated. Transapical striae slightly radiate at the center, becoming parallel near the apices. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Previously known from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8A2F70FF61F3F7FED8FAD6.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly lanceolate with sub-rostrate apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Axial area narrow, raised below apices, central area small and transapically dilated. Transapical striae monoseriate formed by rounded areolae, slightly radiate throughout. Remarks: Navicula carinifera can be distinguished by the raised parts of the axial area above and below the central area towards the apices. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Not reported previously from the Gulf. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8A2F70FF61F5A7FC7AF8BA.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear lanceolate with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Axial area narrow, central area transapically dilated or irregular. Transapical striae strongly radiate in the middle, becoming convergent near the apices. Remarks: Large specimens of this species were observed with slightly less dense striae and central area transapically dilated than the specimens reported by Witkowski et al. (2000). Median striae are more distant and less convergent than the rest. Ecology and Distribution: Navicula cincta is brackish water species prefers eutrophic conditions. Previously reported from South Iraq (Maulood et al. 2013). Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8A2F71FF61F773FB54FEE7.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear lanceolate with apiculate apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores, slightly deflected in the same direction. Axial area narrow, central area transapically dilated. Transapical striae parallel throughout. Ecology and Distribution: A cosmopolitan marine species. Previously reported from Kuwait (Hendey 1970; Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011) and from Southern Iraq (Al-Handal 2009). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8B2F71FF61F1B0FED8FD73.taxon	description	Description: Valves lanceolate to weakly rhombic with apiculate apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Axial area narrow, central area rounded to irregular. The coarse transapical striae are slightly radiate at the center becoming parallel toward the apices. Remarks: A large species with strong and coarse lineolate striae. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Not reported previously from the Gulf. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8B2F71FF61F304FD12FB0F.taxon	description	Description: Valves lanceolate with sub-rostrate apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in expanded pores. Axial area narrow, central area very small, rounded. Transapical striae parallel throughout. Remarks: Observed specimens are slightly larger than those reported by Witkowski et al. (2000). Ecology and Distribution: This is a cold water species and has not been reported earlier from warm waters, mostly occurs in the Arctic Ocean but also found in Britain (Whitton et al. 2003) and in Canada (Mather et al. 2010). Not reported previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8B2F71FF61F498FC3CF99B.taxon	description	Description: Valves lanceolate with apiculate apices. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Axial area very narrow, central area very small, quadrangular. The coarse transapical striae weakly radiate throughout. Remarks: Observed specimens showed a slightly smaller number of transapical striae. Ecology and Distribution: This species has a limited distribution, reported originally from the Indian Ocean (Foged 1975). Not reported previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF892F73FF61F1ECFC4EFD73.taxon	description	Description: Valves lanceolate to rhombic-lanceolate with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight to slightly bent, ending centrally in simple pores. Axial area narrow, asymmetrically dilated in one direction, central area large, transapically dilated. Striae appear in transverse and oblique rows. Ecology and Distribution: A widespread marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Simonsen 1974, Al-Handal 2009, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF892F73FF61F304FC2BFB47.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear lanceolate with rounded apices. Raphe branches straight, terminal endings hooked to the same direction. Axial area narrow, central area transapically dilated forming fascia widened towards the margin (staurous), terminating before valve margin. Striae appear in transverse and longitudinal rows, strongly radiate in the middle. Remarks: Observed specimens are slightly narrower than those reported by Witkowski et al. (2000). Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Handal 2009, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF892F73FF61F4D0FCEDF9F7.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear lanceolate with rounded apices. Valve face slightly depressed in the middle. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores deflected to the same direction. Axial area narrow, central area rounded to transversely dilated. Striae appear in transverse and oblique rows. Remarks: Observed specimens have parallel transapical striae, slightly different from those illustrated by Witkowski et al. (2000) which have slightly radiate transapical striae. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF892F73FF61F680FA65F783.taxon	description	Description: Valves narrowly lanceolate with rounded apices. Valve face strongly arched. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Axial area narrow, slightly asymmetrically dilated in one direction, central area rounded, transapically dilated, with two semi-lunate furrows on each side. Areolae are irregular in shape and arranged in transverse and oblique rows. Transapical rows parallel throughout. Ecology and Distribution: A widespread marine species, particularly in warm waters. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Simonsen 1974, Al-Handal 2009, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8E2F74FF61F2BDFA84FC6D.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear- lanceolate with acutely rounded apices. Raphe branches sigmoid, raised as ridge upon valve margin. Central nodule small and rounded. Striae appear in equidistant oblique and transverse rows. Remarks: Observed specimens appeared with striae slightly denser than previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970; Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011) who observed 18 – 20 in 10 μm. Ecology and Distribution: A marine littoral species, mostly on muddy sediments. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8E2F74FF61F423FA4BFA00.taxon	description	Description: Valves sigmoid-lanceolate with acutely rounded apices. Raphe branches sigmoid, central, and eccentric near the apices. Axial area narrow, central nodule small and rounded. Striae appear in oblique and transverse rows. Oblique striae crossed each other at angle of 65 o. Remarks: Under light microscope, this species looks rather similar to Pleurosigma inflatum Shadbolt (1853: 16) but can only be separated by raphe angle which is + 8 – 13 o in P. inflatum and + 17 – 22 o in P. diverse-striatum. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf both from muddy and sandy sediment (Hendey 1970, Al-Handal 2009, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8E2F74FF61F595FD8EF8DD.taxon	description	Description: Valves elongated, sigmoid-lanceolate in shape with protracted apices. Raphe central, sigmoid, slightly eccentric towards apices. Axial area narrow, central nodule small and rounded. Striae appear in equidistant oblique and transverse row. Oblique striae crossed each other in 60 o angle. Remarks: very similar to P. angulatum (Quekett) W. Smith (1852: 7) but can be separated by having larger striae angles and absence of terminal perpendicular striae as well as valve margins are more smoothly curved. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8E2F74FF61F0B3FC82FDAA.taxon	description	Description: Valves rhombic-lanceolate with rounded apices. Valve face arched. Raphe branches straight, ending centrally in simple pores. Axial area narrow, unilateral, central area rounded, transapically dilated. Striae appear in transverse and oblique row. Transverse rows slightly radiate. Remarks: Distinguished from T. aspera (Ehrenberg) Cleve (1894: 191) in having a round central area not extending as fascia. Ecology and Distribution: A widespread marine species, particularly in warm waters. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8E2F76FF61F7EDFC97FE25.taxon	description	Description: Frustules in girdle view rectangular, constricted in the middle with distinct wings. Valves linear elliptical with apiculate apices. Raphe central, raised upon a keel and runs along the apical axis. Axial area narrow, central area small, transversely dilated. Areolae very fine and arranged in parallel transapical striae. Remarks: This species may reach larger sizes, Hendey (1964) reported specimens up to 280 μm long. The observed specimens were rather small but fall in the range reported previously from the Gulf. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed marine and brackish water species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1964; Al-Yamani & Saburova). Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8C2F76FF61F3F3FED8FAD9.taxon	description	Description: Valves semi-elliptical with acutely rounded apices. Dorsal margin arcuate, ventral margin straight or weakly concave. Raphe close to ventral margin. Axial area narrow, central area extends transversely in a form of fascia reaching dorsal margin. Ventral striae indistinct. Remarks: This species looks similar to Amphora decussata Grunow (1877: 178) but valves of the later species are narrower with more concave ventral margin and denser ventral striae. Ecology and Distribution: A widespread marine littoral species. Not recorded previously from the Gulf. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8C2F76FF61F550FE4BF890.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear with slightly ventrally bent rounded apices. Dorsal margin straight in the middle, becomes rounded towards apices. Ventral margin nearly straight. Raphe biarcuate, positioned in the middle of the valves, proximal endings bent ventrally. Axial area narrow, central area semi-lanceolate. Remarks: Several observed specimens look rather similar to A. obtusa Gregory (1857: 72), which possess almost same valve outline. Striae density may distinguish these two species where it never exceeds 20 in 10 μm in A. obtusa, mostly 10 – 12 in 10 μm. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8C2F77FF61F76EFADFFEC3.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear lunate with ventrally bent rostrate apices. Dorsal margin weakly arched, ventral margin slightly curved. Raphe weakly arcuate, more close to ventral margin, proximal endings bent towards dorsal side. Central area absent. Remarks: This species looks similar to the illustration of A. commutata presented in Witkowski et al. (2000), but slightly different in striae density (9 – 13 versus 6 – 7 in 10 μm for this species). In the observed specimens striae run deeper from the dorsal towards ventral margins. The same species was reported by Al-Kandari et al. (2009, pl. 66, fig. A) as Amphora sp. 2 from Kuwait coastal water. Ecology and Distribution: Amphora commutata is a brackish water species. Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8D2F77FF61F154FB10FCCB.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear with broadly rounded apices. Dorsal margin convex, ventral margin straight and slightly convex in the middle. Raphe branches arched with distal endings ventrally bent, axial area very narrow, central area very small, sometimes undistinguished. Striae fine, parallel, becoming slightly radiate near the ends. Near the center, a narrow fascia reaching valve margin interrupts striae. Remarks: The more arcuate dorsal margin and more distinct puncta differentiate this species from the similar species Amphora ocellata Donkin (1861: 11). Ecology and Distribution: More common in tropical warm water but also recorded from temperate regions (Hendey 1974, Whitton et al. 2003). Not recorded previously from the Gulf. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8D2F77FF61F35CFD37FAD7.taxon	description	Description: valves dorsiventral with subacute apices. Dorsal margin convex, ventral margin straight, slightly inflated in the middle. Axial area widens towards the center, central area undistinguished from the axial area. Raphe biarcuate and close to the ventral margin. Remarks: The illustrations presented by Witkowski et al. (2000, pl. 166, fig. 24, pl. 172, figs 6 – 9) for this species looks rather different from the original description. In Amphora graeffeana, central area is narrow and only slightly widened near the center while these images have a central area very wide, extending beyond central area. Striae also appear rather coarser. Ecology and Distribution: A widespread marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Simonsen 1974; Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8D2F77FF61F5A0FEF7F887.taxon	description	Description: Valves dorsiventral with shortly protracted, ventrally bent apices. Dorsal margin convex, ventral margin straight. Axial area very narrow near the apices, broadly widens in the middle third of the valve, central area absent. Raphe close to ventral margin, proximal ending bent dorsally. Remarks: The observed specimens match illustrations given in the literature above but slightly different in having a less convex dorsal margin. Frustules appeared larger than reported. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Not recorded previously from the Gulf. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF8D2F79FF61F710FC92FE77.taxon	description	Description: valves dorsiventral, semi-elliptical to semi-lanceolate with protracted and truncate apices. Dorsal margin arched, ventral margin straight and slightly inflated in the middle. Dorsal striae interrupted in the middle by lunate hyaline area, ventral striae invisible. Axial area narrow, slightly widens ventrally at the center, central area slightly dilated ventrally. Raphe straight, proximal endings bent dorsally. Remarks; A. janischii is characterized by having an elevated lunate hyaline area on the dorsal margin opposite to the central area which may cover in some specimens one thirds of the dorsal side. This seems to be a characteristic feature that is not shared by other species of Amphora Ehrenberg ex Kützing (Kützing 1844: 107). Ecology and Distribution: Amphora janischii is rarely reported in the literature and appear to have limited geographical distribution. Previously recorded from Australia (Harper et al. 2012) and from the Adriatic (Vilicic et al. 2002). Not reported previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF832F79FF61F200FD79FC5B.taxon	description	Description: Valves dorsiventral, semi-elliptic with protracted capitate apices. Dorsal margin arched, slightly constricted in the middle, ventral margin straight. Dorsal striae interrupted by lanceolate hyaline area on the dorsal margin. Axial area narrow, slightly widens laterally in the center, central area small, rectangular. Raphe straight. Remarks: This taxon can be easily identified by the wide hyaline area separating striae bands on the dorsal margin. This variety differs from the type by having a small constriction in the dorsal margin opposite to central area. Ecology and Distribution: Marine to brackish water form. Although recorded from variable geographic locations including the Arctic (Witkowski et al. 2000), this taxon was not reported to be common on marine coasts. Not recorded previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF832F79FF61F42CFD8EFA0B.taxon	description	Description: valves dorsiventral with obtusely rounded apices. Dorsal margin arched, ventral margin weakly concave. Axial area narrow, central area elliptic, making small fascia on both sides. Raphe arched, proximal endings bent dorsally. Dorsal striae crossed by a hyaline band. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF832F79FF61F59CFC38F887.taxon	description	Description: valves dorsiventral, semi-elliptic with rounded apices. Dorsal margin arched, ventral margin straight to slightly concave. Axial area very narrow, central area small. Raphe biarcuate, proximal endings bent dorsally. Dorsal striae coarsely punctate. Remarks: Specimens observed are rather smaller than those reported elsewhere and having slightly denser striae. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species but can also be found in inland water with high alkalinity. Not recorded previously form the Gulf. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF832F7AFF61F710FCE6FF57.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970; Al-Yamani & Saburova (2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF802F7AFF61F120FD11FD5F.taxon	description	Description: Valves dorsiventral, linear to semi-elliptic with broadly rounded, ventrally bent apices. Dorsal margin weakly convex to straight, ventral margin straight. Axial area strongly arched, biarcuate, central area narrow on the dorsal side and broader on the ventral side. Raphe strongly arched with indistinct proximal pores. Dorsal striae distinct, bifurcated near the raphe, particularly at the middle. Remarks: Smaller valve with slightly higher striae density were observed. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF802F7AFF61F464FF3DF99B.taxon	description	Description: valves dorsiventral, semi-lanceolate with slightly protracted rounded apices. Dorsal margin convex, ventral margin weakly concave. Raphe straight, following curvature of the ventral margin, proximal endings dorsally bent. Axial area narrow, central area not differentiated from central area. Remarks: Striae of the observed specimens appear less dense than that reported by Witkowski et al. (2000) (17 – 24 in 10 μm). The species is rather variable in valve outline and about 30 varieties were described (Fourtanier & Kociolek 2009). Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed epipelic marine to brackish water species. Common on the mudflats of South Basra (Al-Handal 2009). Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF802F7AFF61F66CFEC5F7A7.taxon	description	Description: Valves dorsiventral with protracted capitate apices, slightly ventrally bent. Dorsal margin convex, ventral margin weakly concave. Axial area narrow, central area indistinct. Raphe biarcuate, proximal endings slightly bent dorsally. Remarks: Observed specimens are larger than those reported in the literature where valves do not exceed 80 μm. Witkowski et al. (2000) reported valve width reaching 65 μm which is very broad although their image did not show such dimension. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species but has also been recorded as epipelic on brackish mudflats in South Iraq (Al-Handal 2009). Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Common in Basra coral.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF812F7BFF61F50CFD7EF92B.taxon	description	Description: Valves slender, linear lanceolate with long rostrate to capitate apices. Fibulae broader in the middle and equally spaced. Remarks: The long, rostrate and produced apices as well as the distinct coarse fibulae characterize this species. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed species. Previously reported in the plankton of Kuwait coasts (Al-Kandari et al. 2009). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF812F7BFF61F6FCFE01F86F.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear lanceolate with acutely rounded apices. In girdle view, frustules appear with inflated ends. Raphe central, fibulae coarse, unevenly spaced. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF812F7BFF61F08CFD8EFDE3.taxon	description	Description: valves dorsiventral, semi-eliptic with acutely rounded apices. Dorsal margin arched, ventral margin straight. Axial area narrow, central area expands towards dorsal margin forming narrow fascia. Raphe biarcuate, proximal endings bent dorsally. Striae on dorsal side distinctly punctate. Remarks: Observed specimens appeared rather smaller with slightly denser striae than those reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011) or elsewhere (Witkowski et al. 2000). Several varieties of Amphora ostrearia have been described based on the number of striae bands on the ventral margin and the shape or structure of the stauros. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF812F7BFF61F2B4FD11FB0F.taxon	description	Description: valves dorsiventral, elongated semi-elliptic to lanceolate with acutely rounded, ventrally bent apices. Dorsal margin arched, ventral margin straight to weakly arcuate. Axial area narrow, central area small, round to elliptic. Raphe weakly biarcuate, proximal endings bent dorsally. Remarks: Observed specimens possess higher striae density than reported elsewhere, also valves appeared more linear lanceolate and narrower with slightly bent apices. Valve outline may look similar to Amphora rhombica var. intermedia Cleve (1895: 127) but striae are much denser than this variety. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Handal 2009, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF862F7CFF61F0B3FCD3FE76.taxon	description	Description: Valves lanceolate with produced apices. Raphe central, fibulae unevenly spaced, moderately long, prolonged into transapical short ribs. Remarks: Easily distinguished by its produced apices, coarse striae and the shape of fibulae. Ecology and Distribution: Marine epipelic species, widely distributed in warm waters. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF862F7CFF61F207FD11FCEE.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear lanceolate, sigmoid with long rostrate apices. Raphe eccentric, fibulae unevenly spaced, the two centric fibulae are more spaced. Ecology and Distribution: A widespread brackish water species. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF862F7CFF61F3BFFAFFFAD6.taxon	description	Description: valves linear to linear lanceolate, slightly sigmoid, with curving acute apices. Raphe eccentric, fibulae small, equally spaced. Remarks: Several varieties of N. sigma were described based on striae density and whether valves (in valve view) are sigmoid or straight. It is sometimes difficult to identify these varieties and some of them might belong to a different species, which requires further investigation of this complex using SEM diagnosis or molecular data. Striae density is rather variable and in some specimens, these are hardly counted under light microscope. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed species in marine and brackish water habitats. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011, Al-Handal 2011). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF862F7CFF61F687FAC9F7A6.taxon	description	Description: valves linear elliptic, constricted in the middle, with broadly cuneate apices. Raphe eccentric, fibulae evenly spaced. Valve face with longitudinal, hyaline, laterally spaced fold which interrupt transapical striae. Remarks: This species is characterized by having an undulating valve surface and a hyaline strip void of puncta, normally more close to the keel margin. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Previously reported from various parts of the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Simonsen 1974, Al-Handal 2009, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF842F7EFF61F5FFFC2CF8BA.taxon	description	Description: Frustules rectangular, constricted in the middle with biarcuate sides. Transapical striae curved in the middle, becoming parallel towards apices. Puncta on the wings arranged in decussating rows. Remarks: This species can be recognized from other taxa of the genus by the coarse puncta on valve wings, which are arranged in obliquely decussating rows. Ecology and Distribution: A marine species widely distributed in warm waters. Previously reported from the Gulf (Simonsen 1974, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF842F7EFF61F0B3FE1EFE76.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear elliptic with constricted sided and broadly cuneate to sub-apiculate apex. Raphe eccentric, fibulae small, evenly spaced. Transapical striae distinctly punctate, interrupted by longitudinal fold. Ecology and Distribution: A widespread marine to brackish water species, also found in freshwater. Previously reported in the plankton of Kuwait coasts (Al-Kandari et al. 2009) and from the Shatt Al-Arab estuary (Al-Handal 2009). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF842F7EFF61F207FC6FFC02.taxon	description	Description: Valves linear elliptic with shallowly constricted sides and broadly cuneate apices. Raphe eccentric, fibulae distinct, rectangular. Transapical striae interrupted by distinct, slightly lateral and elevated rib. Remarks: Witkowski et al. (2000, figs 185: 1, 186: 14, 15) illustrated N. didyma but did not provide any description. Our specimens match those illustrations. Ecology and Distribution: Limited distribution, found in Taiwan (Fujian Coast, Liu et Chin 1980) and China (Liu 2008). Not recorded previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF842F7EFF61F39BFF3DFAB2.taxon	description	Description: valves linear elliptic with weakly constricted sides and rounded apices. Raphe eccentric, fibulae large, unevenly spaced, the median two are larger and ovoid in shape. Transapical striae interrupted by longitudinal folds, mostly two. Remarks: This species might exceed 200 μm in length but the observed specimens appeared smaller. Ecology and Distribution: A common warm water species. Not reported previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFF842F40FF61F78BFD0AFEC3.taxon	description	Description: Frustules rectangular, constricted in the middle with rounded corners. Valves with deeply arcuate dorsal margin and straight ventral margin. Raphe eccentric, fibulae small. Transapical striae parallel in the middle and curved near apices. Ecology and Distribution: Marine species, more common in warm water. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova, 2011). Very rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFFBA2F40FF61F1ECFC3FFC03.taxon	description	Description: Valves nearly circular with round corners. Median part of the valve subquadrangular with round angles and two rows of striae separated by longitudinal hyaline area. Remarks: Campylodiscus bicostatus may appear similar to smaller forms of C. fastuosus Ehrenberg (1845: 361) (see illustration by Hendey 1951, pl. 17, figs 1 – 6), but can be differentiated in that the inner ends of the ribs which extend from valve margin towards the center is not produced but broad and flat, as well as the two rows of transapical striae on both sides of the central area are not reaching valve upper margins. Ecology and Distribution: Campylodiscus bicostatus is a freshwater species (Kociolek 2005) but also found in coastal water. Not recorded previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFFBA2F40FF61F394FDF4FA9F.taxon	description	Description: Valves suborbicular with round corners. Marginal costae occupy one third of the valve face. Median part rectangular with round corners and costae appear as extensions of the marginal ones. Axial rea narrow and shorter than the median area. Ecology and Distribution: This species was originally reported from Australia and seem to be more distributed in the southern Hemisphere. Known from the Red Sea (Desikachary 1988) and China (Liu 2008). Not reported previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFFBA2F40FF61F568FCC4F9D3.taxon	description	Description: Valves suborbicular and curved. Costae extends to nearly halve distance to valve center and composed of two striae of irregular areolae. Central area large with rows of irregularly spaces areolae. Ecology and Distribution: A widely distributed brackish and marine species, particularly in warm waters. Not reported previously from the Gulf. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFFBA2F40FF61F6A4FEF7F783.taxon	description	Description: Valves nearly circular slightly bent. Costae covers most of valve face leaving a narrow axial area which reach valve margins. Valve face with short spines. Remarks: Characterized by long uninterrupted costae extending from valve margin to the axial area, which is linear and narrow, with short spines in between. Based on molecular analysis, this species has been transferred to the genus Coronia Ehrenberg (1840: 59) to become Coronia decora (Brébisson) Ruck & Guiry (2016: 2). Ecology and Distribution: A wide spread marine species. Not reported previously from the Gulf. Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFFBB2F41FF61F0B3FEF7FE52.taxon	description	Description: Valves orbicular and strongly bent. Marginal costae extends to one third of valve face. Median part orbicular with fine radiating striae. Axial area very narrow. Remarks: The internal punctate transapical striae may appear in lines or separate puncta when changing focus. Ecology and Distribution: Widely distributed marine species. Not reported previously from the Gulf. Rare in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFFBB2F41FF61F22BFD8EFCCA.taxon	description	Description: Valves small, ovate with broadly rounded apices. Two parallel and striated ridges run along the apical axis, bordering narrow central area. Distribution: A marine species seems to prefer warm water. Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFFBB2F41FF61F343FAFCFB7A.taxon	description	Description: Valves ovate to linear ovate with weakly convex margins. Fibulae connected to radiating transapical costae, which end in a very narrow axial area. Remarks: Both P. gemma and P. patrimonii Sterrenburg (2001: 109) appear similar in valve outline and structure but areolae of the former species can be resolved under light microscope while it is invisible in the later (Sterrenburg 2001). Ecology and Distribution: A widespread species both in marine and brackish water habitats. Previously reported from the Gulf (Hendey 1970, Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011, Al-Handal 2009). Common in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
0392662BFFBB2F41FF61F533FE4FF962.taxon	description	Description: Valves broadly ovate. Costae well-spaced, 1 – 2 in 10 μm, narrowed towards valve center. Central area lanceolate. Striae very fine and confined to marginal area. Remarks: Valve outline is rather variable in this species; central area may take different shapes and structure. The image given by Hendey (1970, pl. 5, fig. 45) from coastal water of Kuwait as S. recedens A. Schmidt (1875: 19) is rather similar to S. fastuosa. Ecology and Distribution: A widespread marine species, but can also be found in brackish water as in Shatt Al-Arab estuary, Southern Iraq (Al-Handal 2009). Previously reported from the Gulf (Al-Yamani & Saburova 2011). Frequent in Basra corals.	en	Al-Handal, Adil Y., Thomas, Evan W., Pennesi, Chiara (2018): Marine benthic diatoms in the newly discovered coral reefs, off Basra coast, Southern Iraq. Phytotaxa 372 (2): 111-152, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.372.2.1
